Specialized Academic Instructor - Moderate to Severe 2nd-4th Grade - Carlton Hills

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Under the immediate supervision of the site administrator and general direction of the Director of Special Education, and as a member of the school staff, shall provide a functional curriculum for students who have a disability that manifests itself in moderate to severe deficits. A functional curriculum focuses on independent living and vocational skills, emphasizing communication and social skills. Shall assist in other school programs as assigned; work with other District employees and parents in creating an overall school environment conducive to learning for the students in the District.

Professional Responsibilities

1. Compile and analyze data as required for documentation and program planning.

2. Comply with state and federal regulations and District procedures regarding implementation of IDEA.

3. Maintain accurate special education records and logs for individual students.

4. Maintain personal standards of dress and grooming in accordance with District policy.

5. Maintain standard of promptness in carrying out assignments.

6. Maintain understanding of grade-level content standards and implement current educational practices acquired through professional literature, and by attending conferences and site and District meetings.

7. Meet obligations as specified by the Education Code and Board Policy.

8. Participate in District and school activities such as staff meetings, staff development, trainings and Professional Learning Community work.

9. Participate in school and community-related activities such as School Site Council, PTA special projects, etc.

10. Share responsibility for the effective operation of the school program

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Instructional

1. Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress.

2. Consult with general education classroom teachers and DIS providers regarding individual student’s IEPs.

3. Coordinate assessment procedures with IEP team members, e.g., gather data, conduct evaluation procedures, write evaluation reports, and communicate with parents and teachers.

4. Coordinate IEP development, e.g., schedule meeting dates, contact participants, assist parents, and other activities necessary to develop and complete IEPs.

5. Coordinate special education services with general education school programs.

6. Implement an appropriate behavioral classroom management system and assist general education teachers in implementing behavior goals and plans; after training, conduct safe physical restraints when a student is in danger of harming self or others.

7. Participate in consultation and Student Study Team meetings as appropriate.

8. Plan, develop, evaluate and implement appropriate Individualized Education Program.

9. Provide instructional services through a functional curriculum to individuals, small groups and whole class using research-based materials and interventions in order to fulfill the objectives specified on the written Individualized Education Programs.

10. Provide resource information/materials to parents and staff and provide in-service training to general education staff as applicable.

11. Provide timely and effective early intervention assistance (Response to Intervention Model) for students struggling with academics and/or behavior.

12. Serve as Case Manager, of assigned students only, to monitor student progress on a regular basis and manage the review and revision of IEPs

13. Understand and organize subject matter for student learning based on student developmental readiness.

14. Use appropriate technology to provide instruction to students and communication with students, parents and staff.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of his/her supervisor, the Specialized Academic Instructor may be assigned to:

1. Perform specialized health care procedures such as catheterization, gastric tube feeding, suctioning, or other services after training and under the monitoring of the District nurse. 2. Assist students with diapering, changing, and other toileting issues; may include lifting students and assisting in transfers.

3. Assist students with social, hygiene, and prevocational skills.

4. Assist with bus boarding and departing.

5. Assist with preparing, serving, and feeding meals and delivering instruction during meals.

6. Plan, train and coordinate the work of instructional assistants, and as requested by the supervisor, participate in the selection of these employees.

7. Select books, instructional aids, materials and supplies for his/her program, and maintain required inventory records.

8. Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.

9. Administer State and District assessments in accordance with established guidelines.

10. Collaborate with District offices in distributing and collecting paperwork to facilitate communication and adhere to laws and policies.

EDUCATION / CREDENTIALS:

Bachelor’s degree, including all courses to meet current credential requirements. Credential(s) to meet the requirement of the assignment as established by state and local governing boards.

EXPERIENCE:

Although teaching experience is recognized as being desirable, successful completion of a studentteaching program will be accepted with above average recommendations from supervisors or other professionals who have observed the teacher’s personal characteristics, scholastic attainment and classroom performance.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

Demonstrate knowledge regarding the disabilities of the students served and appropriate researchbased materials and instructional methods/strategies to meet their needs.

Possess working knowledge of the IEP process as well as a clear understanding of special education regulations and guidelines.

Knowledge of student health concerns and ability to perform necessary emergency procedures such as EpiPen administration, allergy response, etc.

Ability:

Communicate with competent oral and written English skills.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Maintain confidentiality and use discretion.

Use tact, patience and courtesy.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment: Indoor and outdoor work environment. Driving between sites.

Physical Abilities:

Bend at the waist, knee or crouch to assist students.

After training, restrain students who are physically aggressive.

Lift non-ambulatory students and assist in transfers.

Hear and speak to exchange information and make presentations.

Hear to respond to discrete differences in sounds.

Lift and carry books, materials and equipment to execute lessons and presentations.

See to read, prepare, review and monitor students at student activities.

Sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Walk extended lengths to move around campus.

Hazards:

Potential exposure to communicable diseases and contact with blood and other body fluids. Potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior.

Salary : $62,055